X-ray detector panel reset phase for image lag reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiation therapy systems face challenges in increasing imaging framerate without introducing significant image lag in X-ray images, which can lead to inaccurate dose application and suboptimal treatment outcomes due to the trade-off between imaging speed and image quality.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a reset phase in the X-ray image acquisition process, where residual charge is concurrently transferred from multiple arrays of pixel detector elements, effectively minimizing image lag in subsequent images without prolonging the panel readout time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the imaging framerate is increased to improve treatment monitoring speed, then productivity is improved, but image lag increases causing measurement precision to deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A reset phase is introduced before the readout phase to clear residual charge from pixel detector elements. This preliminary action prevents image lag from carrying over to subsequent frames, enabling high framerate imaging without sacrificing image accuracy. The reset phase is performed concurrently across multiple arrays, making it a preliminary preparation step that enables faster subsequent readout.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging process is divided into periodic cycles of irradiation phase, readout phase, and reset phase. This periodic structure allows the system to maintain high framerate by systematically resetting pixel elements at regular intervals, preventing charge accumulation that would cause image lag while enabling continuous rapid imaging.
2Measurement precision
If the readout time is extended to reduce image lag, then measurement precision is improved, but the imaging framerate decreases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The reset phase is performed as a preliminary action before the readout phase, separating the charge clearing function from the readout process. This allows readout to proceed quickly without being extended to accommodate charge clearing, maintaining high framerate while ensuring image quality through the dedicated preliminary reset step.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging cycle is segmented into distinct phases: irradiation phase for charge accumulation, readout phase for rapid data acquisition, and reset phase for charge clearing. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - readout can be fast without compromising image quality because the reset phase handles charge clearing separately.
3Measurement precision
If a reset phase is added to reduce image lag, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset operation is merged with the readout operation by performing reset concurrently across multiple arrays while readout proceeds. This combining of operations reduces the need for separate sequential steps, limiting the increase in process complexity while achieving the goal of reducing image lag through systematic charge clearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The reset mechanism is designed to operate universally across multiple pixel detector arrays simultaneously. This multi-functional approach allows a single reset phase to service all arrays, preventing the need for separate reset circuits for each array and thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive charge clearing.
4Productivity
If residual charge is transferred concurrently from multiple arrays, then productivity is improved through faster readout, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reset operations for multiple arrays are merged into a single concurrent operation. By combining the reset functions across arrays and executing them simultaneously, the system achieves fast readout speeds without requiring proportionally complex reset circuitry for each individual array.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal reset mechanism is implemented that can clear charge from multiple pixel detector arrays simultaneously. This multi-functional reset system serves all arrays with a coordinated approach, achieving high productivity through concurrent operation while limiting complexity growth through shared control and timing infrastructure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables faster X-ray image acquisition with reduced image lag, enhancing the accuracy of radiation therapy by providing high-framerate images with minimal artifacts, thus improving the precision of target volume imaging and dose delivery.
Implementation Method 1
residual charge is concurrently transferred from multiple arrays of pixel detector elements in an X-ray detector panel
Data Source
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AI summary
A radiation therapy system is configured with fast readout of X-ray images with significantly reduced image lag. A reset phase is included in the process of acquiring an X-ray image to reduce image lag in a subsequently acquired X-ray image. During the reset phase, residual charge is concurrently transferred from multiple arrays of pixel detector elements in an X-ray detector panel. As a result, image lag present in a subsequent X-ray image is minimized or otherwise reduced.